Medals from a Mutiny Collection

Pair: Captain D. K. Presgrave, 59th Bengal Native Infantry, attached 75th Regiment of Foot

Sutlej 1845-46, for Sobraon 1846, no clasp (Ensign D: K: Presgrave 59th. Regt. N:I:); Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 2 clasps, Delhi, Relief of Lucknow (Lt. D. K. Presgrave, 59th. N.I. attd. 75th. Regt.) edge bruising and light contact marks to first, this very fine; the second nearly extremely fine (2) £900-£1,200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from a Mutiny Collection.

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Provenance: George McIlroy Collection.

Duncan Kyd Presgrave was born at Saugor on 10 April 1828, the son of Colonel Duncan Presgrave, Engineers. Inheriting his father’s engineering talent, he was briefly an apprentice to the great Engineer Sir Robert Stephenson, before being offered a direct commission into the Honourable East India Company’s Army. He was commissioned Ensign on 29 December 1844 and having been posted to the 59th Bengal Native Infantry served during the First Sikh War at the Battle of Sobraon. Promoted Lieutenant on 10 June 1850, he saw further action during the Great Sepoy Mutiny, initially at the Siege of Delhi, having been appointed Interpreter on attachment to the 75th Highlanders. He was subsequently present at the Battles of Bulandshah and Agra; the Relief of Lucknow under Lord Clyde; and the defeat of the Gwalior rebels at Cawnpore.

Promoted Captain on 21 August 1859, Presgrave died of cholera at Peshawar on 21 October 1862, whilst serving as Captain in command of the 8th Native Infantry (the renumbered 59th Bengal Native Infantry).

Sold with copied research.